How Do Different Sources of Light Impact the Skin?

Light and laser cosmetic treatments, such as fractionalskin resurfacing, are what Albuquerque patients often use to minimizeirregularities and balance or even out their skin tone and quality. Everwondered why light is used so frequently in the cosmetic world? Exposure tolight impacts our bodies in various ways, altering our circadian rhythms, hormoneproduction, and even our mental health. In fact, not getting enough exposure tosunlight during the winter has been linked to a type of depression called SeasonalAffective Disorder (SAD). It’s no surprise, therefore, that differentwavelengths of light have been found to influence the appearance and health ofyour skin. The following are some examples of light sources that we arecommonly exposed to, as well as a brief explanation of their impact:

Natural Light

The sun is our major source of natural light, although wecan also technically see by other stars, volcanoes, firelight, lightning, andvarious astronomical objects. We have less control over the amount of energythese give off compared to artificial sources of light, so we have to do alittle extra work when guarding against the negative effects of the biggestproducer of all: the sun.

Small amounts of exposure to sunlight (ideally 5 to 15minutes of unprotected exposure) have positive health benefits, including strengtheningyour immune system and encouraging serotonin production. However, prolonged,unprotected exposure to ultraviolet radiation increases the risk of skin cancerand accelerated skin aging. It’s best to avoid exposure by staying indoorsduring peak hours and wearing sunscreen whenever you go outside.

Artificial Light

When it comes to human-made, artificial light sources, we’rein full control of their intensity and duration.

• BlueLight

Although the sun is a major source of blue light, we also getplenty of it from the screens on our TVs, laptops, smartphones, tablets,electronic devices, and fluorescent or LED light bulbs. Blue light exposure canlead to photoaging and hyperpigmentation, but it is also used in therapies forsome skin conditions like acne and actinic keratosis.

• RedLight

Red light therapy (RLT) is often used as a type ofphotodynamic therapy to encourage the generation of new collagen, elastin, andfibroblasts. Deep red light at specific wavelengths is thought to haveanti-inflammatory properties and may reduce wrinkles.

Ready to improve wrinkles, blotchy pigmentation, scars,rough patches, or other skin-related irregularities? Browse our website to checkout more info on fractional skin resurfacing from our Western Dermatology Consultants team. Call 505-855-9267, or submit a contact form to request a consultation if you’d like todiscuss your skin goals—and learn more about what light can do.